Jay Lethal Shares How AJ Styles Helped Him Buy His First Home and Insights on Wrestling Legends

Jay Lethal Reveals How AJ Styles Helped Him Buy His First Home and Shares Insights on Wrestling Legends and Rising Stars

In a heartfelt episode of the What Happened When podcast, Ring of Honor legend Jay Lethal recounted a touching story about WWE Superstar AJ Styles’ generosity, highlighting their friendship during their time in TNA Wrestling. This episode also covered The Undertaker’s memorable retirement match with AJ Styles at WrestleMania 36, the surprising WWE SmackDown debut of TNA star Leon Slater amid visa issues, and reflections on the evolving TNA roster as it begins a new chapter on AMC.

• Jay Lethal shared how AJ Styles helped him financially and personally to purchase his first home, emphasizing Styles’ kindness and ongoing support.
• The Undertaker reflected on the real injury he sustained during his cinematic WrestleMania 36 match against Styles and the lasting effects of breaking a hearse window glass.
• 21-year-old Leon Slater made a surprise appearance on WWE SmackDown due to visa complications that restricted his travel for TNA events, sparking rumors about talent exchanges.
• The Undertaker’s retirement match with Styles was shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a unique cinematic bout that both wrestlers were proud of.
• TNA’s roster, including rising star Leon Slater, is preparing for a high-profile debut on AMC, with expectations of expanding the promotion's reach and influence.

Jay Lethal’s Personal Story with AJ Styles: A Bond Beyond Wrestling

Jay Lethal opened up about a profound relationship forged backstage during their tenure in TNA Wrestling with AJ Styles. According to Lethal, what began as casual conversations about living arrangements turned into a meaningful gesture from Styles.

From Conversation to Action

Lethal revealed how AJ Styles initiated discussions about Lethal’s living situation: "AJ Styles always looked out for me... He said to me, ‘Hey, where do you live in now?’” When Lethal mentioned renting an apartment in Tampa, Styles expressed concern that Lethal was still paying rent months later. Styles explained the importance of home ownership, emphasizing that paying rent equaled spending money without building equity.

Though Lethal initially felt home ownership was beyond his means, Styles and his wife took an active role in helping him search for properties online. They even enlisted a friend based in Tampa to assist with the house-hunting process.

A Generous Down Payment

The story reached its turning point when financial barriers nearly prevented Lethal from buying the home he wanted. Styles generously helped Lethal with the down payment without expecting reimbursement. “He actually helped me with the down payment. He goes, ‘Don’t tell anybody. Don’t ever mention this again... I don’t even want this money back,’” Lethal recalled.

This act of kindness left a lasting impression on Lethal, who still lives in the same house to this day. He concluded, “I haven’t to this day, met any person more kind and thoughtful and just an overall good human being than AJ Styles.”

The Undertaker and AJ Styles: The Realities Behind a Cinematic Match

The Undertaker shared candid insights into his unforgettable WrestleMania 36 retirement match against AJ Styles. The bout was notable for being cinematic rather than a traditional wrestling match due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Injury and Recovery

During a fight scene around a hearse, The Undertaker swung at Styles and shattered the hearse’s passenger side window, inadvertently cutting himself with broken glass. "It was very real," The Undertaker admitted on his "Six Feet Under" podcast. They had to pause filming for an hour to remove glass from his arm.

However, the injury had longer-term consequences. Michelle McCool revealed that a year later, The Undertaker still had shards of glass embedded in his arm, requiring additional surgeries. Visuals from the operation showed the removal of a small triangular piece of glass that had become a lasting reminder of the match.

Behind the Scenes of the Glass Incident

AJ Styles apologized for the injury, explaining he was “amped up” during the swing and used a metal bar. He also mentioned he thought the glass was safety glass, but The Undertaker clarified it was the original hearse glass, not safety glass.

Styles also noted that The Undertaker was motivated to complete the scene in one take, which contributed to the severity of the incident. Both wrestlers expressed pride in how the match unfolded despite these challenges.

Leon Slater’s Surprising WWE SmackDown Debut Amid Visa Issues

In January 2026, Leon Slater, a rising star and X-Division champion in TNA, surprised fans by answering Carmelo Hayes’ United States Championship open challenge on WWE SmackDown. This unexpected appearance stemmed from complications with his travel documents.

Visa Complications and Cross-Promotion

Slater was originally slated to appear on TNA’s television show and Genesis pay-per-view in the United States. However, visa issues prevented him from leaving the UK. TNA officials seized the opportunity to allow WWE to use Slater on SmackDown’s London taping, giving the young wrestler international exposure despite the hurdle.

This led to rampant speculation about a potential talent trade, especially involving AJ Styles. However, sources clarified there was no formal exchange. Slater’s appearance was a special showcase rather than a permanent WWE transition.

Praise and Future Prospects

Though Slater did not win the championship, his performance earned widespread acclaim. TNA remains optimistic about resolving the visa issues, which will enable Slater to continue regular appearances with the company for most of 2026.

Reflecting on The Undertaker’s Retirement and Legacy

Mark Calaway, The Undertaker, shared poignant reflections on the end of his wrestling career during the "Six Feet Under" podcast.

The Final Ride

After the cinematic match with AJ Styles, The Undertaker recounted riding his motorcycle away while watching the sunrise, a moment of realization that his in-ring career had ended. "It was somewhere in those early morning hours that I realized that this was gonna be it," he said.

Proud of the Work with AJ Styles

Despite the deviations from their original plan due to the pandemic, Calaway felt the match was special. Styles agreed the challenges led to a memorable and unique farewell. "I think it was meant to be,” Calaway stated. Styles reflected on the poetic nature of The Undertaker riding off into the dawn as a fitting exit.

Current Endeavors

Since retiring, The Undertaker has embraced podcasting and coaching roles, contributing to the wrestling community beyond the ring. Meanwhile, Styles is preparing for his own retirement matches.

TNA’s New Era on AMC: Rising Stars and Renewed Ambitions

As TNA embarks on a new weekly live broadcast deal on AMC, rising stars like Leon Slater see an opportunity to elevate the company’s profile.

Leon Slater’s Perspective

In a Q&A session, Slater described TNA as a "hidden gem" that has recently come into its own. He acknowledged the contributions of previous standout talents who helped build momentum toward this new era.

Team Effort for Success

Slater expressed confidence that the roster and management are ready to “smash this AMC debut out of the park” by showcasing the hard work and talent developed over recent years.

This in-depth exploration highlights AJ Styles' impactful role beyond the ring, the physical toll and legacy of The Undertaker's final bout, the emergence of new wrestling talents like Leon Slater, and the promising future of TNA Wrestling as it reaches broader audiences. The stories underscore the intertwining of personal generosity, professional dedication, and evolving careers within the wrestling world.